Missiles intercepted over Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks prompt emergency measures

Online working for students and businesses implemented as Houthis retaliate over 44 killed in Yemen over weekend Vehicles drive along a road in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on 25 October 2026 (AFP) Published date: 10 November 2026 12:16 GMT | Last update: 4 sec ago Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missiles over the capital Riyadh as ongoing Houthi attacks from Yemen have forced the kingdom to adopt emergency measures. Air defences have intercepted and destroyed several missiles launched towards southern Saudi Arabia and Riyadh, according to the Saudi-led coalition currently fighting the Houthis in Yemen. The coalition also indicated that it intercepted a drone over Saudi Arabia's oil-rich Eastern Province. Fighting between the group - officially known as Ansar Allah - and the kingdom has been occurring daily over recent weeks and has had an impact on civilian life. A message sent to parents on Monday announced that schools in Riyadh would return to online classes following the attacks. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "As part of the ongoing precautionary measures, we would like to confirm that classes will be online beginning tomorrow, Tuesday," the message, seen by AFP, said without specifying how long the measure is expected to last. For the third consecutive day on Tuesday, residents of Riyadh also received warning messages on their phones urging them to seek shelter due to an "aerial threat". The alert was lifted a few minutes later. Saudi strikes kill dozens Many businesses continue to rely on remote work, while a deadly attack on 11 October on Riyadh’s airport led to the suspension of flights. ‘Death is closer than school’: Yemen’s children struggle with war trauma Read More » While flights have since resumed on a limited basis, the Houthis have warned that most of Saudi Arabia’s airspace should be regarded as "not safe". Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's attacks in Yemen have escalated a humanitarian crisis in the country, where hundreds of thousands have been forcibly displaced. Saudi strikes on Sanaa over the weekend killed at least 44 people, including 21 children, the Houthis said on their television channel on Monday. "The toll from the Saudi enemy's massacre in the Alshariyah area of Bani Hushaysh, east of Sanaa, has risen to 84 casualties: 44 martyrs and 40 wounded," the Sanaa-based Ministry of Health said on pro-Houthi Almasirah TV channel. The ministry said 21 children and 10 women were among those killed. "Rescue teams are still searching for the missing," it added. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.